Govt plans MCOCA-like crackdown on gutka networks, admits weak law letting offenders walk free

NAGPUR: The illegal sale and movement of ghutka and other banned tobacco products dominated proceedings in the state assembly on Tuesday, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledging that Maharashtra’s current legal framework is too weak to curb the flourishing contraband trade. The CM said the government is now considering bringing repeat offenders and organised syndicates under stringent provisions similar to the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).Raising the issue during Zero Hour, MLA Prashant Thakur expressed concern over the brazen sale of ghutka within 100 metres of educational institutions, in violation of existing laws. He said shops near schools and colleges continue to sell tobacco products openly, exposing minors to addictive substances despite repeated warnings from authorities. Thakur demanded that the government deploy stricter monitoring teams around campuses and prosecute violators under harsher sections.MLA Raees Sheikh drew attention to the alarming rise in ghutka trafficking through Bhiwandi, alleging that the city has now become a major transit and distribution centre for contraband arriving from Gujarat. “Truckloads of banned products are entering Bhiwandi daily. Well-coordinated cartels are using the city as a hub to circulate ghutka across the state. If this continues unchecked, the situation will worsen,” Sheikh said. He urged the formation of a specialised task force to dismantle the network.Responding to the concerns, CM Fadnavis admitted that the current legal provisions were inadequate, enabling offenders to obtain bail almost immediately. “The law today allows those caught to come out of jail very quickly, which defeats the purpose of enforcement. This is the main reason the trade continues despite repeated seizures,” the CM said.He told the House that the government is framing MCOCA-like provisions specifically targeting organised ghutka operations. “We are seriously considering bringing violators—especially those running networks—under provisions similar to MCOCA. Only then will these cartels face real deterrence,” Fadnavis said.The CM also acknowledged the concerns raised regarding Bhiwandi and said the government would examine the proposal for a dedicated multi-agency task force to curb smuggling from border routes and high-risk corridors.With members across parties flagging the threat to public health and the rising influence of organised rackets, the state government is expected to announce stronger enforcement measures soon, signalling a tougher crackdown on Maharashtra’s persistent ghutka menace.